Weaning time

It's fall time at the ranch and the season's work is steady. The mother cows can smell the autumn air as they come of the mountain. Cowboys will work the cows through the corrals to get them ready for winter.  The baby calves will carefully be transitioned off their mommas side. Weaning; a practice all ranchers use and know well. Weaning; a term Curt and I finally understand in the PICU. 

The calves will be supported and cared for until they can be strong on their own. When they are ready, a fall pasture will be their new home where they can continue to grow. Gus is being weaned off his breathing support with time and practice. Just as I would check calves everyday during weaning, I monitor his breathing stats.  His steady chest rhythm make me confident as I watch them go up and down. When Gus's lungs are healthier and stronger he can move to a rehab section of the hospital. Hey Burke, Gus might need a spot on your ranger for another air tank so he can go for a ride again. This little boy will still any guys ranger for a ride.
Gus is making more remarkable achievements. He likes to play cars and tractors with Dad, replaying the tractor-tipping scene from his favorite movie 'Cars.' His eyes light up when he interacts with Mickey Mouse on the iPad. Story time with Mom makes him happy as we read books at bed side. Visiting with his cousins was so exciting as they shared high-fives and played. Yesterday we jammed to the song from Imagine Dragon, 'I'm waking up.' The band was performing a concert in the hospital for the patients and Gus got to watch on TV from his room. Gus likes to dance to this song when it comes on the radio at home.
Curt and I are so proud of our strong little boy.  We are so grateful to have him with us.  We are so grateful for our friends and family who continue to support Gus.  We have received so many blessings and appreciate all of your thoughtfulness. We know that many of you are going to a team roping and barrel racing charity event for Gus today.  Thank you, thank you so much. We love you all so much and appreciate your help.  Play outside for Gus today and tell your family how much you love them.